Are Varicose Veins More Than Cosmetic?

When are Varicose Veins More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern? If your legs are marked by prominent, twisted, bulging, or rope-like dark blue veins, you’re not alone — affect nearly adults in the United States. While anyone can develop the problem, these swollen, conspicuous veins tend to occur most often in women, older adults, and people who are inactive or overweight.

What percentage of the world has varicose veins?

Abstract – Varicose veins are convoluted, expanded, and stretched subcutaneous veins of the lower leg and are the most frequently reported medical condition. This condition has a higher prevalence in Western and developed countries. Inadequacy of the valves results in reflux of blood in the veins of the lower leg.

• The present study aims to describe the epidemiology and contributing factors (risk factors and pathological factors) in the development of varicose veins disease.
• PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were explored to include potential research and review articles.

Finally, 65 articles were considered appropriate to include in the study. Pain, swelling, heaviness, and tingling of the lower limbs are the most common sign and symptoms caused by varicose veins while in some individuals it is asymptomatic. The Prevalence of varicose veins varies geographically.

• Currently, it is reported that globally about 2%–73% of the population is affected by varicose veins while the prevalence rate in Pakistan is 16%–20%.
• Different risk factors associated with the advancement of varicose veins are age, gender, occupation, pregnancy, family history, smoking, BMI and obesity, exercise, genetic factor, and current lifestyle.

In varicose veins, some contributory elements may also play an important role in the disease development, incorporating constant venous wall aggravation, hereditary variation, and persistent venous hypertension. This condition has now turned into a curable issue that was previously viewed broadly as less important for treatment, determining the individual’s satisfaction.

Is it worth getting varicose veins removed?

Having surgery or a procedure is a better choice if you care a lot about how your legs look. Home treatment won’t change the look of varicose veins. Surgery and other procedures also can reduce pain and other symptoms. Surgery can leave tiny scars on your legs.

What is the average age to get varicose veins?

While varicose and spider veins are more likely to develop after the age of 50, especially in women, plenty of young people find themselves developing varicose veins as early as their 20s. Thankfully, there are many lifestyle changes young people can make at home to either prevent or treat the appearance of varicose and spider veins.

Why are varicose veins more prominent?

Extra blood in the vein puts pressure on the walls of the vein. With continual pressure, the vein walls weaken and bulge. In time, we see a varicose or spider vein. Some people have a higher risk of developing these veins.

Do any celebrities have varicose veins?

Celebs Who Treated Their Varicose Veins – Celebrities like Kristen Davis, Serena Williams, and Bollywood actor Rajat Rawail have all spoken publicly about their experiences with varicose veins. Rajat was hospitalized after a vein ruptured in his right leg, causing excessive blood loss.

• From Hollywood superstars to Olympic legends, the following is a list of other high-profile people who have dealt with the discomfort and public embarrassment of varicose veins and were able to treat them successfully.
• Britney Spears – Well-known for showing off her body on and off the stage, Britney has shared that she developed varicose veins after having two children.

For some during pregnancies, extra blood flow to the leg veins can overextend vein walls, causing visibility of the bumpy blue vessels under the skin. So in 2012, Spears spoke about how she received treatment for her varicose veins. She immediately returned to performing in her Las Vegas residency, looking as flawless as ever.

Hloe Kardashian – From a family not ashamed of having procedures to enhance their beauty, it’s not surprising to see them openly discuss aesthetic options on their infamous reality show. In one episode of KUWTK, Khloe’s mom, Kris Jenner, recommends that her daughter undergo sclerotherapy to treat her varicose veins.

Now we often see Khloe in her denim brand, Good American, unafraid to model cut-off shorts with her flawless legs. Sydney Leroux – As an Olympic gold medalist and a pro soccer star who plays the forward position for FC Kansas City in the National Women’s Soccer League, leg health is a significant concern.

It can be common when powerful athletes due to the amount of time spent on their feet. So when Dwyer admitted to having varicose veins (along with cellulite) during her pregnancy, she also shared on her Instagram account that it’s no one’s business to judge our bodies and what we choose to do is our own business.

Emma Thompson – The multi-talented Emma Thompson is an excellent example of beauty – even with something as pesky as varicose veins! Fortunately, treatments are available to help with this issue, and Emma is no exception to receiving the necessary care to keep her looking and feeling as fantastic as ever.

1. And she’s still just as gorgeous as ever! Taapsee Pannu,
2. This Bollywood actress shared on Instagram a picture of her physical training for upcoming movies that require the actress to show off her legs.
3. She captioned a post of herself performing a leg work-out: “When I see this picture, I remember how I got my varicose veins operated on and removed just six weeks before I started training.

Now those scares can act as an evil eye.”

Is it OK to live with varicose veins?

What is the outlook for people with varicose veins? – Usually, varicose veins aren’t dangerous and don’t cause long-term health problems. Most people with the condition are concerned with the way varicose veins look. They may experience discomfort but don’t develop complications.

Is it OK to leave varicose veins untreated?

Skin Ulcers – Blood pooling in your veins also means that blood isn’t getting to where it needs to go. That includes wounds, which need blood flow to heal. Leaving varicose veins untreated can lead to skin ulcers from small cuts or minor wounds that refuse to heal.

Do varicose veins go away permanently?

Can Varicose Veins Go Away with Weight Loss? – Although losing weight can be beneficial to your overall health, it will not eliminate varicose veins. In fact, people who are overweight have a higher risk of developing health issues, including varicose veins.

• Varicose veins won’t go away or improve.
• They may worsen over time.
• This is why it is important to maintain a healthy body with diet and exercise.
• Losing weight can improve a person’s health and quality of life, but it won’t get rid of or stop varicose veins from appearing.
• Weight loss and exercise can greatly assist in minimizing varicose veins, but once the disease has developed, the only solution is to slow its progression by seeing a vein specialist.

As a result, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help reduce the symptoms of varicose vein disease and prevent progression.

Can you live without varicose veins?

As many as 40 million Americans have varicose veins, and many who have them think it is something they have to live with, but they don’t have to.

Is it normal for a 23 year old to have varicose veins?

Risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins in young adults – Below are some of the most common risk factors that may cause chronic venous insufficiency, or varicose vein disease, to develop in teenagers, including:

Hereditary. Genetics is the primary cause of vein disease, accounting for about 80% of cases. It is not at all unusual to find varicose veins in young adults in their 20’s and even teenagers if the disease runs in your family. Standing for sitting for long periods of time. We often see this in patients whose occupation involves a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, coaches or teachers. Obesity. People who are overweight put far more weight and pressure on their veins than someone who is of a healthy weight. Plus, extra body fat acts as a cover up of many physical signs of vein disease, making it more difficult to spot signs such as swollen or bulging veins. Birth control pills. The use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can be a risk factor of developing varicose and spider veins. Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty and pregnancy may create an irregular flow of blood throughout your body, which can lead to varicose veins and other potential vein problems. History of blood clots.

Can a 25 year old have varicose veins?

It is not uncommon for the vein disease process to start much earlier in life. Often young people don’t even realize that they are having symptoms of venous insufficiency. Ideally, a young person would get their mild symptoms treated before the symptoms become advanced.

• Often, we associate vein disease with older people.
• When asked about venous insufficiency, most people imagine the elderly as the ones who endure itchy, painful, or swollen legs.
• They assume that one must be older to suffer from varicose veins, spider veins, leg ulcers, or skin changes on the legs and ankles.

However, while age is a risk factor for developing symptoms of vein disease, it is not the leading cause of this condition.

Why do healthy people get varicose veins?

What causes varicose veins? – Varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. Varicose veins happen in the veins near the surface of the skin (superficial). The blood moves towards the heart by one-way valves in the veins. When the valves become weakened or damaged, blood can collect in the veins.

How many times can you have varicose veins removed?

Sclerotherapy – What: A common treatment for spider and small varicose veins. How: Your doctor injects a solution into the vein, which irritates the wall of the vein and makes the veins stick together so the blood can’t flow through it anymore. Healing Time: Spider veins usually disappear within 3 to 6 weeks.

Who is more prone to varicose veins?

Risk factors – The following can increase the risk of developing varicose veins:

Age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in the veins that help control blood flow. Eventually, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into the veins, where it collects. Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition. Hormonal changes before a menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopause might be a factor because female hormones tend to relax vein walls. Hormone treatments, such as birth control pills, might increase the risk of varicose veins. Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases. This change supports the growing baby but can also enlarge the veins in the legs. Family history. If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance you will too. Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on veins. Standing or sitting for long periods of time. Movement helps blood flow.

Can varicose veins go away with weight loss?

Florida Vein Specialists Discuss Whether Losing Weight Will Make Your Varicose Veins Go Away Florida Vein Specialists: Weight Loss and Varicose Veins One question that patients often ask when seeking vein treatment in Delray Beach is “I know I’m a few pounds overweightif I lose weight, will that make my varicose veins go away?” We understand why people ask this question, but speaking as specialists who are widely considered to be some of the best vein doctors in Palm Beach, we can’t give you the answer you’re looking for.

• Yes, losing weight will be good for your overall health – including your vein health – but it won’t eliminate your varicose veins.
• Sadly, varicose veins don’t “just go away” or “get better” – they get worse In almost all cases, the thing that causes varicose veins is a condition called chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI.

This disease causes the tiny, one-way valves that make venous blood flow possible to become “leaky” and malfunction. When blood is pumped through veins crippled by CVI, instead of closing properly, these venous valves remain open. This allows blood to flow backwards and pool in the veins, causing them to become swollen and discolored – varicose.

• Unfortunately, once venous valves have become damaged by CVI, they can’t be repaired or fixed – the damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.
• Yes, you can improve your overall circulation by wearing compression stockings and making lifestyle changes that may include losing weight, and yes, these conservative treatments may help to reduce the pain of your varicose veins and reduce side effects such as chronically swollen legs and ankles, but they won’t shrink your existing varicose veins very much, and they won’t make them go away.

In fact, left untreated, your varicose veins are likely to only get worse, no matter how much weight you lose. The weight loss will help by reducing the pressure on your veins and improving your overall circulation, but chances are if you don’t have your varicose veins removed, sooner or later they’re going to become inflamed and cause your legs to be covered with bleeding leg ulcers that refuse to respond to normal attempts to make them heal.

• The only way to eliminate varicose veins is to have them removed Varicose veins that have been damaged by CVI cannot be repaired, but they can be removed, and far more quickly and easily than you imagine.
• Modern vein treatment in Palm Beach uses procedures that are minimally-invasive, meaning that hospitalization, general anesthesia, and large incisions are not necessary.

Instead, your vein doctors insert a tiny catheter (smaller than the needle used to give you a flu shot) into the diseased veins, and then close the veins completely by applying a chemical compound, heat, or laser energy to make them collapse. This procedure takes less than an hour, and is so painless that in most cases no anesthesia is necessary.

You can literally walk into the comfortable offices of South Palm Cardiovascular Associates on your lunch hour and walk out with your varicose veins sealed and return to work. Over the next couple of weeks, the last traces of the now-sealed varicose veins are absorbed into the healthy muscle tissue that surrounds them, and healthier veins take over pumping blood back to your heart.

Removing the diseased veins not only removes the unsightly veins from your legs, it improves your circulation and thus your overall health. Don’t get us wrongit’s still a good idea to lose weight Most Americans could stand to lose a few pounds, and they’ll be healthier not carrying that excess weight around.

• All Florida vein specialists are saying is that in answer to the question at the start of this article, losing that weight may be good for you, but it isn’t going to get rid of your varicose veins.
• If you’re interested in learning about fast, easy, and effective treatments that can get rid of them, see our website at or give us a call at 561-515-0080, and we can get started on your path to healthier and more attractive legs.

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere. Our physicians have privileges and daily round at Bethesda East Hospital, Bethesda West Hospital and Delray Medical Center.

Palm Beach Cardiologists Explain Why You Sometimes Need To Have Your Blood Pressure Tested Several Times To really understand the kinds of diseases that can affect your blood vessels, you have to understand how they work when they’re healthy. Arteries, which carry oxygenated blood from your heart to your organs and extremities, have their own internal.

In the field of medical science that deals with heart disease and how to prevent it, you hear a lot about risk factors. According to Delray Beach cardiologists, these are either traits or behaviors that medical science has proven increase your risk.

Do fit people get varicose veins?

Athletes don’t get varicose veins. And the Easter Bunny is real. Santa Claus, too. The truth is, varicose veins don’t care who you are or how much you exercise. They don’t even care if you’re young or old, male or female. Anyone can develop varicose veins – even athletes.

If you’re an athlete, varicose veins can affect your stamina and even cause performance issues,” said Dr. Russell Lam. Certain sports place more stress on the veins in the legs than other sports. Weightlifting, skiing and backpacking force the legs to support heavier weight over longer periods. Also, repetitive-motion activities like running and cycling can increase stress on the veins in the legs.

The more intense the participation, the greater the likelihood of developing superficial or even varicose veins.

Do guys care about varicose veins?

What are the risks of not treating varicose veins? – Don’t let the stigma surrounding varicose veins prevent you from addressing this issue! It’s very common for men to think that changes caused by varicose veins don’t really need attention because they underestimate the damage that they can cause.

Has anyone reverse varicose veins?

How we treat varicose veins at The Vein Institute – First, we perform a full medical examination, using state-of-the-art venous duplex ultrasound. This determines the cause and severity of the varicose veins. The unpleasant symptoms of small varicose veins can often be managed by making simple lifestyle changes such as frequent exercise, healthy eating and wearing compression stockings to improve circulation.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, where a tiny catheter is inserted into a small varicose or spider vein. The diseased vein is then injected with a sealant that makes the walls stick to each other and collapse. Not sure if you have varicose veins or spider veins? Try our vein self-assessment tool, Another technique is called radiofrequency ablation, which uses the heat of radiofrequency waves to close varicose veins. Similarly, endovenous laser ablation uses a laser to seal the varicose vein shut The Vein Institute was also one of the Australian pioneers of a non-surgical technique called medical superglue, The medical adhesive is safely and effectively used to close varicose veins.

All of the methods cited above are “walk in, walk out” performed in the comfort of our clinic. These treatments take under an hour and require little recovery time. Learn more: Home remedies for varicose vein symptoms,

What happens if you don’t do anything about varicose veins?

Varicose veins and spider veins

Varicose veins are knobbly, twisted and darkish-blue in appearance, and are most commonly found on people’s legs.Varicose veins are caused by faulty valves within veins, that allow blood to pool.Treatment options for varicose and spider veins include sclerotherapy and surgery.Sclerotherapy is the injection of a solution into the vein.Most people can expect an improvement in the appearance of treated veins.

Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to our heart. In our legs, blood is collected in the superficial veins, just below the skin surface, and delivered to deeper veins that run within our calf muscles. The muscular action of our calves helps to pump the blood against the force of gravity towards the heart.

One-way valves inside the veins prevent the blood from travelling backwards.If these valves fail to close properly, blood pools in the superficial veins. Over time, the affected veins distend with blood (become ‘varicose’). Varicose veins are knobbly, twisted and darkish-blue in appearance. Spider veins are like varicose veins, but smaller and closer to the surface of the skin.

They are often red or blue, and can look like tree branches or spider webs. They are mostly found on a person’s legs or face. They may cover a small or large area.These problem veins can be treated in two main ways. Surgery is usually used on only the larger varicose veins, while sclerotherapy can help with smaller veins.Treatment of varicose veins and spider veins is not just for cosmetic reasons.

Is varicose veins genetic?

So, are they hereditary? – Many people who suffer from varicose veins may wonder if they are hereditary. Just like many gene disorders, varicose veins are in fact hereditary. Your risk of developing varicose veins increases if a close family member has the condition, confirming a relationship between genetics and varicose veins.

1. If you have one parent with varicose veins, you have about a 40 percent chance of inheriting them.
2. If both your parents have them, your risk drastically increases to 90 percent.
3. Having too few valves or valves that do not function properly is also a common problem that can be inherited.
4. In some cases, you may be born with abnormalities of the vein wall.

The resulting weakness may predispose the valves, which causes separation and cracking. When a person with poorly functioning valves stands up, the blood flow reverses and flows down the superficial veins, when it should be flowing up towards the heart.

What is the success rate of varicose veins?

Endovenous Laser Ablation to treat Varicose Veins – Varicose veins laser treatment, Endovenous Laser Ablation, boasts an impressive success rate of 98 percent to 100 percent making it the most ideal varicose veins treatment. This procedure involves laser heat, used to cauterize the affected vein, causing it to seal shut.

1. Once the vein closes, the blood reroutes to healthy veins.
2. The treated vein is naturally absorbed by the body and eventually fades away.
3. The thin laser fiber inserts directly into the vein via a very small incision — so small that stitches are not required! Without the need for sutures makes a primary reason why Endovenous Laser Ablation includes a short downtime following the procedure.

In fact, most of the time, patients return to normal activities right after the treatment.

How common is varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a common condition, affecting up to 3 in 10 adults. Women are more likely to develop them than men. Any vein in the body can become varicose, but they most commonly develop in the legs and feet, particularly in the calves.

How many people have varicose vein?

Varicose veins can occur in almost anyone and affect up to 35% of people in the United States. You may inherit a tendency to develop varicose veins from a parent.

What population has varicose veins?

Approximately 23% of US adults have varicose veins. If spider telangiectasias and reticular veins are also considered, the prevalence increases to 80% of men and 85% of women.

How likely is varicose veins?

What are varicose veins? – A varicose vein (varix) is a swollen and twisted blood vessel that can be seen just under the skin’s surface. The veins visibly bulge and usually appear in the legs. Weakened valves and veins can increase the blood pressure in a person’s legs, which can cause varicose veins,